“In Search of Harperfield” Emma Pollock

“In Search of Harperfield” Emma Pollock

Setting the Mood

A new artist I found while on Album of the Year.com. I was mainly just browsing the rock section and chose a random band/artist I never heard of. I honestly think that is the beauty of doing music reviews. I have the option to discover new music everyday. I sit here wondering if Emma Pollack is going to be someone I will want to buy vinyls from, or will she be a lost artist in the narrow alleys of my mind.

The Band

Emma Pollock is a Scottish singer, songwriter, and guitarist, and a founding member of The Delgados, The Burns Unit and The Fruit Tree Foundation.

A founding member of The Delgados, she signed a solo recording contract with British independent record label 4AD in 2005 after the amicable split of the band. She continues, however, to be involved in the influential Glasgow-based label Chemikal Underground. Her first solo album, Watch the Fireworks, was released on 17 September 2007. On 3 August 2010, The Burns Unit release their debut, Side Show, through Proper Distribution in the UK. Produced by the band’s drummer Mattie Foulds, Side Show was mixed with Paul Savage (Franz Ferdinand) and mastered by Jon Astley (The Who, ABBA, Norah Jones). On 25 August 2014, the second album from English folk rock band Dry the River, Alarms in the Heart, was released, featuring Pollock in its third track, “Roman Candle”, as guest performer.

On 29 January 2016, Emma Pollock’s third solo album In Search of Harperfield was released on Chemikal Underground Records.

Review

Image Credit: A Pessimist is Never Disappointed

When I listen to the new album “In Search of Harperfield” by Emma Pollock, I reflect on immersive female vocals and deep-seated lyrics. I’ve been listening to songwriters recently, and I can say that Emma Pollock has a great voice that also pairs great with the poetry spoken in this album.

The Good

Poetic lyrics are outspoken with deep meanings. Album is filled with emotional harmony. Uses minimal instruments to really capture and showboat this talent singer. Tracks like “Old Ghost” show how Emma can be so deep with her words and soothing her voice is. I like the way her voice goes high and low in the track “Clemency”. It relates to the struggle of peoples relationships, high and low. Her vocals in that track so well done, I feel that even if it wasn’t intentional, it’s still a great point to why she’s so talents in song-writing and execution. The song “Vacant Stare” is also one of my favorites. I like how harmonic the drums and tambourine are with her vocals.

The Bad

Her voice trumps instruments for majority of the album. Track like “Alabaster” start with such sounds, but her voice seems to take the song in a different direction. The multiple faced song designs sometimes left me thinking why. It didn’t sound bad, just sometimes confusing. I liked the use of string instruments like in the track “Intermission”. Although I didn’t like how her voice seemed a little off syncing with the track. It was like she was trying to sing along side of the violin, but I feel like it wasn’t the best it could have been. I really like the track, but the vocal execution throw it off for me. Same can be said for the track “Parks and Recreation”. I just got a weird feeling that the vocals were fighting the instruments.

Last Words

Overall I have deep appreciation for what Emma Pollack has done with her lyrical poetry and song writing. New artist spring up and down everyday. Some talent than others in different areas. Everyone’s album is worth at least one play through. Check her out now. Listen to it right here on Spotify. Also their new album can be purchased on Amazon.

Like the review I did? Have a question, comment, or concern? Let me know in the comment below. Don’t forget to also check out other music reviews on The EXP Grind.

The Bad

Written by: Christian Galvez

Christian is the founder of The EXP Grind. He is interested in Movies, Music, Video Games, Anime, and just about anything in Arts and Entertainment. He tries to find art with true meaning and hopes to reach more creative professionals.